Device and method for dilution control

ABSTRACT

A dilution control device and method of operating the same. The dilution control device can include a structure for dispensing concentrate and diluent fluid in a desired dilution ratio utilizing volumetric dosing. In some embodiments, diluent fluid drives a wheel or compresses a pliable concentrate bag in order to dispense concentrate in the desired ratio with the diluent fluid. In some embodiments, one or more floats can be used to drive a pump or actuate a valve to dispense concentrate at a particular rate proportional with the flow rate of the diluent fluid. In some embodiments, a rocker is responsive to the flow of diluent fluid to pump concentrate. In some embodiments, the dilution control device can be operable to automatically modulate the dispense rate of concentrate when the diluent fluid flow rate is varied in order to maintain a predetermined dilution ratio.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many different types of dosing equipment are used to dose concentratedcleaning chemicals and other types of chemicals into a final usesolution at a predetermined dilution ratio. Some types of equipment areplumbed directly to a water source (i.e., volumetric eductor baseddispensing). However, installation of this type of equipment can be costprohibitive. Other types of equipment utilize portion control, wherein apredetermined amount of concentrated chemicals is dispensed into amixing container and another liquid is added to the container separatelyto dilute the concentrated chemicals. This type of equipment requiresthe user to know exactly how much of the chemical and diluent is neededfor the proper mixing ratio. Accordingly, it can require a user to knowthe size or volume of a container being filled and to fill the containerto an appropriate level. This, however, may be difficult when filling oronly partially filling sinks, reservoirs within a floor cleaningmachine, buckets, and various other containers.

Accordingly, there is a need for a dilution control system that utilizesvolumetric dosing principles without the need for expensive installationcosts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In some embodiments, a device for receiving fluid to be diluted isprovided, and can include a mechanism for controlled dispense of thefluid mixed with diluent a predetermined dilution ratio. The device caninclude a mechanism for automatically adjusting the dispense rate ofconcentrate as the flow rate of fluid is changed to maintain thepredetermined dilution ratio.

Some embodiments of the present invention provide a method of dispensingfluid diluted to a predetermined dilution ratio, wherein the ratio ismaintained as the flow rate of fluid is varied.

The present invention relates to a dilution control system that utilizesvolumetric dosing, but does not necessarily require expensiveinstallation costs. In other words, some embodiments of the presentinvention provide a dispensing apparatus or method that draws orotherwise delivers a concentrated chemical proportionally to the flowrate of a diluent. Some embodiments of the present invention utilize awheel with a horizontal axis and buckets, floats, or other containers atits rim, wherein diluent or water flowing into or onto the bucketsprovide power to dispense concentrated chemicals at an appropriatedilution ratio to the diluent flowing into or onto the wheel.Specifically, the wheel harnesses the power of diluent and providespower to other structures or elements for dispensing concentratedchemicals.

One particular embodiment of the present invention utilizes a free flowor gravity fed wheel as part of a dilution control system. The diluentcan freely flow from a source over an air gap into the wheel. Thediluent is captured within the scoops or containers of the wheel, whichcauses the wheel to rotate. The wheel is mounted to a shaft that rotateswith the wheel. Rotation of the shaft is then used dispense theconcentrated chemical. In some embodiments, the shaft directly dispensesthe concentrated chemical. In other embodiments, the shaft indirectlydispenses the concentrated chemical by actuating other devices, such asgears, shafts, pumps, etc.

Another embodiment utilizes a wheel directly connected to a source ofdiluent, such as a faucet, as part of a dilution control system. Thepressure and speed of the diluent as it is fed to the wheel can providemechanical advantage for dispensing chemical product into the diluent.The diluent is captured within the scoops or containers of the wheel,which causes the wheel to rotate. The wheel is coupled to a shaft thatrotates with the wheel. Rotation of the shaft is then used dispense theconcentrated chemical. In some embodiments, the shaft directly dispensesthe concentrated chemical. In other embodiments, the shaft indirectlydispenses the concentrated chemical by actuating other devices, such asgears, shafts, pumps, etc. In some embodiments, the wheel is coupled toan electrical generator. The power generated from the electricalgenerator can then be utilized to power a pump.

Some particular embodiments of the present invention provide a chemicaldispensing apparatus comprising a housing at least partially defining aflow path or fluid passageway adapted to receive a diluent from adiluent source and a rotary power wheel coupled to the housing and influid communication with the fluid passageway. The rotary power wheel isdriven by the impact or weight of diluent flowing through the fluidpassageway. A shaft is coupled to the housing and the wheel, wherein theshaft is adapted to rotate with the wheel. A pump is coupled to thehousing and the shaft. The pump is in fluid communication with areservoir containing a concentrated chemical and the pump is actuated byrotation of the shaft to deliver concentrated chemicals to diluentflowing through the fluid passageway.

Some other embodiments of the present invention provide a chemicaldispensing apparatus comprising a housing at least partially defining aflow path or fluid passageway adapted to receive a diluent from adiluent source and the housing is coupled to a concentrated chemicalreservoir. A rotary power wheel coupled to the housing and in fluidcommunication with the fluid passageway. The rotary power wheel isdriven by the impact or weight of diluent flowing through the fluidpassageway. A shaft is coupled to the housing and the wheel and adaptedto rotate in response to rotation of the wheel. The shaft is positionedwithin an aperture or flow path of the concentrated chemical reservoirand is adapted to selectively dispense concentrated chemicals from thereservoir via rotation of shaft. In some embodiments, the shaft includesa rotary metering device in communication with the aperture or flow pathof the concentrated chemical reservoir. Rotation of the shaft causes therotary metering device to dispense concentrated chemical from thereservoir. The rotary metering device of some embodiments comprises aflatted portion of the shaft in selective communication with theconcentrated chemical; rotation of the flattened portion adjacent theaperture provides metered dispensing of a concentrated chemical in thechemical reservoir. The rotary metering device of other embodimentscomprises a disc coupled to the shaft and having at least one aperturefor receiving concentrated chemical when in communication with theconcentrated chemical. Also, in some embodiments, the shaft is a firstshaft and the chemical dispensing apparatus further comprises a secondshaft and a set of gears. The second shaft is directly coupled to thewheel and adapted to rotate with the wheel, and the set of gears arepositioned to provide power from the second shaft to the first shaft.

Some embodiments of the present invention provide a chemical dispensingapparatus comprising a housing at least partially defining a fluidpassageway adapted to receive a diluent from a diluent source and awheel coupled to the housing and in fluid communication with the fluidpassageway. The wheel is driven by the impact or weight of diluentflowing through the fluid passageway. A shaft is coupled to the housingand the wheel, wherein the shaft is adapted to rotate with the wheel. Agenerator is coupled to the shaft and adapted to rotate in response torotation of the shaft. Rotation of the generator produces electricity. Apump is in electrical communication with the generator and in fluidcommunication with a reservoir containing a concentrated chemical. Thepump is actuatable during rotation of the wheel to deliver concentratedchemicals to diluent flowing through the fluid passageway.

Some constructions of the above embodiments can include other features.For example, some embodiments include a conduit at least partiallypositioned in the housing to deliver the concentrated cleaning chemicalfrom the pump to diluent passing through the fluid passageway. Theconduit can be positioned to deliver the concentrated cleaning chemicalto the wheel to allow the concentrated chemical to be mixed with thediluent in the wheel. Also, in some embodiments, the reservoircontaining the concentrated chemical is contained within the housing. Inother embodiments, the reservoir containing the concentrated chemical islocated remotely relative to the housing and in fluid communication withthe housing via a conduit extending between the pump and the reservoir.Some embodiments also include a set of gears coupled to the housing andpositioned to provide power from the shaft to the pump. The set of gearscan include a gear ratio that is selected to provide predetermineddilution ratio. In some embodiments, the pump is dimensioned andconfigured to deliver a predetermined amount of concentrated chemical tothe diluent per each rotation of the wheel. Some embodiments alsoinclude a funnel along the fluid passageway, upstream from the wheel,wherein the funnel gathers water without direct connection to a sourceof diluent and directs the diluent to the wheel. Other embodiments,however, include a backflow prevention device that is coupled to thehousing and wherein the backflow prevention device is directly connectedto the source of diluent.

Other embodiments are directed to a method of proportionately mixing aconcentrated chemical with a diluent. One particular method comprisesdelivering a diluent to a fluid passageway of a housing and rotating awheel coupled to the housing and in fluid communication with the fluidpassageway via the impact of diluent on the wheel. A pump coupled to thehousing is operated via rotation of the wheel. The pump is in fluidcommunication with a reservoir containing a concentrated chemical andoperation of the pump is proportional to the rotation of the wheel.Concentrated chemicals are drawn from the reservoir in response tooperating the pump and delivered to the diluent. Some embodiments alsoinclude the steps of operating a generator with the wheel and generatingelectricity with the generator. The electricity is then used to powerthe pump.

Another method comprises delivering a diluent to a fluid passageway of ahousing and rotating a wheel that is coupled to the housing and in fluidcommunication with the fluid passageway via the impact of diluent on thewheel. This causes rotation of a shaft coupled to the wheel. The shaftincludes a rotary metering device coupled to the shaft and positioned ina selectively blocking position of an aperture positioned in aconcentrated chemical reservoir. Concentrated chemical is selectivelydispensed from the reservoir in response to rotation of the shaft andthe rotary metering device and delivered to the diluent.

Further aspects of the present invention, together with the organizationand operation thereof, will become apparent from the following detaileddescription of the invention when taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is side cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a dispensingapparatus embodying aspects of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a top cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side cross-section view of a second embodiment of adispensing apparatus embodying aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side cross-section view of a third embodiment of adispensing apparatus embodying aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a top cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a side cross-section view of a fourth embodiment of adispensing apparatus embodying aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a first top cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown inFIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is an alternative top cross-sectional view of the embodimentshown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a top schematic view of another embodiment of a dispensingapparatus embodying aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of dispensing apparatuses embodyingaspects of the present invention coupled to dividers of a sink.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of dispensing apparatuses embodyingaspects of the present invention coupled to dividers of a sink.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a dispensing apparatus embodyingaspects of the present invention coupled to a container to be dispensedinto, such as the dividers of a sink, the wall of a bucket, and thelike.

FIG. 13 is another perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a container or bottle forming part ofthe dispensing apparatus shown FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a dispensing apparatus embodyingaspects of the present invention coupled to a container to be dispensedinto, such as the dividers of a sink, the wall of a bucket, and thelike.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a container or bottle forming part ofthe dispensing apparatus shown FIG. 15.

FIG. 17A is a side view of a dilution control device according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17B is a partial front view of the dilution control device shown inFIG. 17A;

FIG. 18A is a perspective view of a dilution control device according toanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18B is a partially exploded perspective view of the dilutioncontrol device shown in FIG. 18A;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a dilution control device according toanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20A is a schematic view of a dilution control device according toanother embodiment of the present invention, shown in a first state ofoperation;

FIG. 20B is a schematic view of the dilution control device illustratedin FIG. 20A, shown in a second state of operation;

FIG. 21A is an alternative view of the dilution control deviceillustrated in FIGS. 20A and 20B, shown in the first state of operation;

FIG. 21B is another alternative view of the dilution control deviceillustrated in FIGS. 20A and 20B, shown in the second state ofoperation;

FIG. 22A is a schematic view of a dilution control device according toanother embodiment of the present invention, shown in a first state ofoperation;

FIG. 22B is a schematic view of the dilution control device illustratedin FIG. 22A, shown in a second state of operation;

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional elevational view of a dilution controldevice according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 24A is an schematic view of a dilution control device according toyet another embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 24B is a detail view of the dilution control device shown in FIG.24A.

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited in its application tothe details of construction and the arrangement of components set forthin the following description or illustrated in the following drawings.The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced orof being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood thatthe phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of“including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein ismeant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereofas well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, theterms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variationsthereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirectmountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected”and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connectionsor couplings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, one particular embodiment of a dispensingapparatus 10 embodying aspects of the present invention is illustrated.The illustrated dispensing apparatus 10 provides a dilution controlsystem that doses volumetrically. In other words, the dispensingapparatus 10 of this embodiment draws or otherwise delivers aconcentrated chemical proportionally to the flow rate of a diluentpassing through the dispensing apparatus 10 and into a container.

As illustrated, the dispensing apparatus 10 of this embodiment has ahousing 12 at least partially defining a fluid passageway 14 adapted toreceive a diluent 16 from a diluent source, such as a faucet, hose, pipeor other conduit, and the like. A wheel 20 with a horizontal axis iscoupled to the housing 12 and in fluid communication with the fluidpassageway 14. The wheel 20 has buckets, scoops, vanes, blades, floats,or other containers 22 located at its rim to contact diluent 16 passingthrough the fluid passageway 14. Diluent or water 16 flowing into oronto the buckets 22 provides power to dispense concentrated chemicals atan appropriate dilution ratio to the diluent 16 flowing into or onto thewheel 20. A shaft 26 is coupled to the housing 12 and the wheel 20 andadapted to rotate in response to rotation of the wheel 20. In thisembodiment, at least a portion of the shaft 26 is positioned within aflow path 30 or reservoir 32 of a concentrated chemical 34 and isadapted to selectively dispense concentrated chemicals 34 into thediluent 16 or container via rotation of shaft 26.

Specifically, the illustrated housing 12 has a first flow path 14 fordiluent 16, such as water, to pass through the housing 12. The flow path14 through the housing 12 generally includes an inlet 36 and an outlet38. Although it is not illustrated in FIG. 1, a funnel 40 can be locatedalong or adjacent the flow path 14 to collect, gather, or focus the flowof diluent 16 from a diluent source. Generally, the diluent source willbe a plumbed water source such as a faucet on a sink, a spigot, a hoseor hose bib, and the like. However, in some embodiments, the diluentsource can also be a reservoir or container of diluent 16 and/or tubing,piping, channels, or other conduits and valves extending there from.

As described in greater detail below, the diluent source can be directlycoupled to the dispensing assembly 10 in some embodiments, while it canbe placed in free flow fluid communication (i.e., not directly coupled)in other embodiments. In the directly coupled embodiments, the housing12 can be directly connected or plumbed to the faucet or other diluentsource to receive the diluent 16. Such an embodiment will be able toutilize the force, pressure, and speed of water flowing from the sourceto aid with dispensing. Additionally, such directly connectedembodiments may utilize a back flow prevention device, such as valves,air gap devices, and the like, to comply with some plumbing codes. Inthe free flow embodiments, the funnel 40 described above can be utilizedto capture diluent 16 flowing freely from the source. Although thepressure and speed of diluent 16 flowing through the dispensing assembly10 can aid with dispensing, generally the weight of the diluent 16accumulated in the funnel 40 or flow path 14 will drive the wheel 20.

Further, although it is not shown, the diluent 16 flowing through thehousing 12 and out the outlet 38 can be received in a container, vessel,or other type of reservoir. In some embodiment, the diluent 16 isreceived in a sink compartment. In other embodiments, the diluent 16 canbe received in a bucket, spray bottle, reservoir of a cleaning machine,and the like. In yet other embodiments, the diluent 16 may not becollected in a container. Rather, it may be directly dosed onto a flooror other surface, such as a counter top, wall, vehicle, window, animalcarcass and the like.

As illustrated, the housing 12 also has a second flow path 30 forconcentrated chemicals 34. The second flow path 30 has an inlet 42 thatis coupled to a source of concentrated chemicals 34, such as acontainer, reservoir, or other connection from such devices, such astubing or other conduits extending from a container. The outlet 44 ofthe second flow path 30 of this embodiment is co-terminus with theoutlet 38 of the first flow path 14. In other words, as shown in FIG. 1,the second flow path 30 intersects and feeds into the first flow path 14inside the housing 12. In other embodiments, however, the second flowpath 30 can have its own distinct outlet. In the illustrated embodiment,the co-terminus outlet can help prevent concentrated chemicals fromcontacting people or objects adjacent the dispenser by causing theconcentrated chemicals to mix with the diluent 16 prior to exiting thehousing 12.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, a reservoir 32 of chemicals 34is positioned above and in fluid communication with the secondpassageway or flow path. Due to this arrangement, the concentratedchemicals 34 are gravity fed into the flow path 30. However, asdescribed in greater detail below, in some embodiments, a pump or otherdevice can be used to deliver the chemicals to the flow path orotherwise into the diluent 16.

As indicated above, a wheel 20 is coupled to the housing 12 and in fluidcommunication with the diluent flow path 14. The wheel 20 can beconfigured in a variety of different manners, as exemplified in severalfigures. In general, the wheel 20 can have a central hub, spindle, orshaft with a plurality of vanes, buckets, containers, floats, or blades22 extending there from, much like a water wheel, turbine, or paddlewheel. The wheel 20 generally operates as a rotary power unit driven bythe impact of, weight, or reaction from a flow stream of fluid on theblades, buckets, containers, or vanes 22 of the wheel 20. The wheel 20harnesses the power of flowing diluent 16 and provides power to otherstructures or elements for dispensing concentrated chemicals 34.

As illustrated in this embodiment, the wheel 20 is fully containedwithin the housing 12. However, in other embodiment, one or moreportions of the wheel 20 can be exposed outside of the housing 12. Aportion of the wheel 20 is located in the diluent flow path 14. Morespecifically, the wheel 20 can be positioned in the flow path 14 tosubstantially block or interrupt all flow of diluent 16 through the flowpath 14. As such, substantially all diluent 16 flowing through the flowpath 14 drives the wheel 20 to provide maximum power. Additionally, withsuch a configuration, the amount of diluent 16 passing through the flowpath 14 can be measured by the number of scoops, buckets, etc. 22 filledon the wheel 20 or by the number of rotations of the wheel 20. Therotation of the wheel 20 can be proportionately coupled to the dispenseof concentrated chemical 34.

As best shown in FIG. 2, the wheel 20 is coupled to a rotary meteringdevice 50 in the concentrated chemical flow path 30. Specifically, thewheel 20 is coupled to a shaft 27 which is coupled to a gear 54. In someembodiments, the wheel 20 is integrally formed with one or more of theshaft 27 and/or the gear 54. This gear 54 is coupled to a second gear 56which is in-turn coupled to a second shaft 26. The second shaft 26 iscoupled to the rotary metering device 50. More specifically, in theillustrated embodiment, the second shaft 26 is integrally formed withthe rotary metering device 50. In some embodiments, the second gear 56,second shaft 26, and the rotary metering device 50 can be integrallyformed. Furthermore, as illustrated in this embodiment, the wheel 20,the shafts, the gears, and the rotary metering device can all becontained within the housing 12.

The rotary metering device 50 of this embodiment includes two flattenedsections 52 on a shaft 26. However, in other embodiments, the rotarymetering device 50 can be a water wheel, paddle wheel, or turbine typedevice, such as is shown in FIG. 3. Additionally, the rotary meteringdevice 50 can also comprise one or more apertures in or through theshaft 26. Referring to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the rotarymetering device 50 is located in an aperture 58 located at the base ofthe concentrated chemical reservoir 32. More specifically, the rotarymetering device 50 is located in a conduit or passageway 30 extendingfrom the reservoir 32. Generally, the rotary metering device 50 can haveat least two positions. In the first position, the rotary meteringdevice 50 prevents concentrated chemical from flowing through thepassageway 30. In another position, it allows a specific quantity ofchemical to be dispensed or moved to a position where it can bedispensed. The flattened sections 52 of this embodiment of the rotarymetering device 50 allow a predetermined amount of concentrated chemical34 to be dosed per rotation of the shaft 26 or per rotation of the wheel20. Specifically, when the flatted portion 52 is in a specific position,concentrate 34 can flow into an aperture 60 defined by the flow pathhousing 12 and shaft 26. Rotation of the shaft 26 eventually preventsfurther communication of this aperture 60 and the reservoir 32. Evenfurther rotation of the shaft 26 places the aperture 60 (and capturedchemicals) into communication with the remainder of the flow path30—allowing the chemical to be dispensed. Accordingly, through the useof a metering device 50 coupled to the wheel 20, the concentratedchemical 34 can be dispensed volumetrically and in proportion to theamount of diluent 16 dispensed.

The amount of concentrated chemical 34 dispensed per unit of diluent 16can be controlled many ways in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1. Oneparticular way of controlling the amount of concentrated chemical 34dispensed is by controlling the size and configuration of the rotarymetering device 50. Specifically, with reference to FIG. 1, this can becontrolled by altering the size or shape of the flattened portion 52 ofthe second shaft 26. Additionally, this can be controlled by alteringthe shape of the housing 12 defining the flow path adjacent the rotarymetering device 50. Also, this can be controlled by adjusting the gearratio of the first gear to the second gear. This can alter the number ofrotations of the second shaft 26 relative to each rotation of the firstshaft 26. By altering these features, the dilution ratio of diluent 16to concentrated chemical can be a ratio of about 1:1 or less to a ratioof about at least 3000:1 or more. Note that the viscosity of theconcentrated chemical can also be a controlling factor relative to thedilution ratio.

Operation of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 will now be described.A concentrated chemical 34 is provided in the reservoir 32 and a diluentsource is provided to the dispensing assembly 10. Again, the diluent 16can be directly connected to the dispensing assembly 10 or it can freelyflow (i.e., air gap between the source and the dispensing assembly) tothe dispensing assembly 10. In the free flow configuration, diluent 16can be captured in the funnel 40 that is in communication with the flowpath 14. Accumulated diluent 16 in the funnel 40 can then flow into theflow path 14 where it will come into contact with the wheel 20 and fillone or more buckets or containers in the wheel 20. The weight of thediluent 16 against the wheel 20 will cause rotation of the wheel 20.

Rotation of the wheel 20 allows a measured amount of diluent 16 to flowthrough the flow path 14 per rotation of the wheel 20. Specifically, thevolume of each bucket 22 is known and the number of buckets 22 filledand dumped per rotation is known. Accordingly, the amount of diluent 16passing through the flow path 14 per rotation is known.

Rotation of the wheel 20 also causes the rotary metering device 50 inthe concentrated chemical flow path 30 to rotate and dispense chemical34 at a predetermined dilution ratio. Specifically, rotation of thewheel 20 causes the first shaft 27 to rotate, which causes the firstgear 54 to rotate. The first gear 54 drives the second gear 56, whichin-turn rotates the second shaft 26. Rotation of the second shaft 26causes the rotary metering device 50 to dispense chemicals 34 from theconcentrated chemical flow path 30.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, concentrated chemicals 34 aredelivered to the chemical flow path 30 and the rotary metering device 50via gravity. Rotation of the rotary metering device 50 allows apredetermined amount of chemical 34 to be dispensed into the diluent 16.As shown in the drawings, the concentrated chemical 34 mixes with thediluent 16 inside the housing 12 in this embodiment.

As shown and briefly described above, the embodiment illustrated in FIG.3 is configured and operates substantially the same as the embodimentshown in FIG. 1. Accordingly, the construction and operation of thisdevice will not be described in detail rather only the major differencesin construction will be described.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the only significant difference inconstruction of this embodiment relative to FIG. 1 is with regard to therotary metering device 50. Specifically, the rotary metering device 50of this embodiment is a water wheel, paddle wheel, or turbine typedevice, opposed to the flattened shaft illustrated in FIG. 1, that isdriven by a shaft and gear arrangement similar to that shown in FIG. 2.As will the previous embodiment, the size, shape, number, andconfiguration of this wheel 20 type device can at least partiallycontrol the amount of concentrated chemical dispensed per rotation.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate another embodiment of a dispensing assembly 10embodying aspects of the present invention. This embodiment isconfigured and operates in a similar manner to the embodiment shown inFIG. 1. Accordingly, the construction and operation of this device willnot be described in detail rather only the major differences inconstruction will be described.

As shown in the figures, this embodiment has a housing 12 that at leastpartially defines a diluent flow path 14 and at least partially containsa wheel 20 in fluid communication with the diluent flow path 14. Thehousing 12 of this embodiment also includes a chemical reservoir 32. Asillustrated, the chemical reservoir 32 of the illustrated embodiment ispositioned adjacent the wheel 20. As best illustrated in FIG. 5, thechemical reservoir 32 includes an aperture 58 positioned in the base ofthe chemical reservoir 32. Preferably, the aperture 58 is located at thelowest point in the reservoir 32 so that the entire reservoir 32 can beemptied via gravitational forces. A shaft 26 coupled to the wheel 20 ispositioned adjacent the aperture 58 to selectively dispense chemicals 34from the reservoir 58. More specifically, a rotary metering device 50coupled to the shaft 26 can be positioned in or adjacent the aperture 58to selectively open and close the aperture 58 or otherwise dispensechemical through the aperture 58. As noted above, the shaft 26 can beposition within a passageway that is in communication with the reservoir32 via the aperture 58.

In this particular embodiment, the shaft 26 is directly driven by thewheel 20. Accordingly, dilution control is achieved by controlling thesize of the aperture 58 and/or size and configuration of the rotarymetering device 50. In other words, a set of gears or other transmissionassembly is not included in this embodiment. As such, this means ofcontrolling the dilution ratio is not available. However, in otherembodiments, additional shafts and transmission assemblies can beutilized to control the frequency of allowing the chemical to dispensevia the aperture.

Although the chemical reservoir 32 of this embodiment is shown as beingintegral with the housing 12, in other embodiments, the chemicalreservoir 32 can be coupled to the housing in other manners. Forexample, the chemical reservoir 32 can be coupled to the housing 12 viaconduits. Additionally, in some embodiments, the housing 12 can directlyreceive a bottle containing the concentrated chemicals.

The operation of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 will now bedescribed. A concentrated chemical 34 is provided in the reservoir 32and a diluent source is provided to the dispensing assembly 10. Again,the diluent 16 can be directly connected to the dispensing assembly 10or it can freely flow (i.e., air gap between the source and thedispensing assembly) to the dispensing assembly 10. in the free flowconfiguration, diluent 16 can be captured in the funnel 40 that is incommunication with the flow path 14. Accumulated diluent 16 in thefunnel 40 can then flow into the flow path 14 where it will come intocontact with the wheel 20 and fill one or more buckets 22 in the wheel20. The weight of the diluent 16 against the wheel 20 will causerotation of the wheel 20.

As described in previous embodiments, rotation of the wheel 20 allows ameasured amount of diluent 16 to flow through the flow path 14 perrotation of the wheel 20. Rotation of the wheel 20 also causes therotary metering device 50 in communication with the concentratedchemical 34 to rotate and dispense chemical 34 at a predetermineddilution ratio. Specifically, rotation of the wheel 20 causes the shaft26 to rotate, which then causes the rotary metering device 50 to rotateand dispense chemicals from the concentrated chemical flow path 30 orreservoir 32.

The embodiments described above at least partially work under adifferent principle than the embodiments shown in FIG. 6-9. Theembodiments shown in FIGS. 1-5 generally operate under a gravitationalfeed principle. In other words, concentrated chemicals 34 are deliveredfrom a reservoir 32 of concentrated chemicals 34 to the diluent 16 viagravity. Further, gravity delivers the concentrated chemicals 34 to therotary metering device 50. Then, rotation of the rotary metering device50 allows a predetermined amount of chemical 34 to be dispensed. Theembodiments illustrated in FIGS. 6-9 operate via a pumping principle. Inother words, a pump 62 is utilized to dispense the concentrated chemical34 from a reservoir 34 of concentrated chemical 34. The pump is someembodiments can overcome gravitational forces, while the pump in otherembodiments can work in conjunction with gravitational forces. Forexample, in some embodiments, the chemical reservoir or portions thereofmay be positioned below the pump or the dispensing outlet of theconcentrated chemicals. Accordingly, gravity must be overcome by thepump. In one particular example, the pump draws chemical from a dip tubepositioned in a reservoir. However, in some embodiments, the pump may bepositioned such that concentrated chemicals are delivered to the pumpvia gravitation feed and the pump must deliver the concentratedchemicals against the force of gravity to an outlet.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate one particular embodiment of a dispensingassembly 10 embodying inventive aspects. This embodiment has manyfeatures in common with the previously described embodiments.Accordingly, many of the common features will not be discussed indetail. Rather, one must refer to the description previously providedfor a better understanding of some of the common features. Generally,only the new or different features of this embodiment will be discussedin detail.

The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 includes a housing 12 thathas a fluid passageway 14 and a turbine, water wheel, or paddle wheeltype device 20 and a pump 62 coupled to the housing 12. Like theprevious embodiments, the housing 12 of this embodiment at leastpartially defines a fluid passageway or flow path 14 adapted to receivea diluent 16, such as water, from a diluent source. The flow path 14through the housing 12 generally includes an inlet 36 and an outlet 38.As illustrated, a funnel 40 can be located along or adjacent the flowpath 14 to collect, gather, or focus the flow of diluent 16 from adiluent source.

As indicated above, a wheel 20 is coupled to the housing 12 and in fluidcommunication with the diluent flow path 14. The wheel 20 can beconfigured in a variety of different manners, as exemplified in severalfigures and discussed above. A portion of the wheel 20 is located in thediluent flow path 14. More specifically, the wheel 20 can be positionedin the flow path 14 to substantially block or interrupt all flow ofdiluent 16 through the flow path 14. Diluent 16 contacting the wheel 20imparts power to the wheel 20 which is used to drive or actuate a pump62 to dispense concentrated chemical 34.

The pump 62 is in fluid communication with a reservoir 32 containing aconcentrated chemical 34. Actuation of the pump 62 delivers concentratedchemicals 34 to diluent 16 flowing through the fluid passageway or flowpath 14. As best shown in FIG. 7, the wheel 20 is coupled to a shaft 27which is coupled to a gear 54. This gear 54 is coupled to a second gear56 which is coupled to a second shaft 26. The second shaft 26 is coupledto the pump device 62. In some embodiments, the pump 62 can be directlycoupled to the wheel 20, such as with the shaft extending from the wheel20. Accordingly, the gears and second shaft would be eliminated in suchan embodiment. In yet other embodiments, additional gears, shafts, andother structures can be included between the wheel 20 and the pump toprovide an appropriate dilution ratio.

Although substantially any pump can be utilized (for select dilutionratios), preferably a positive displacement pump is utilized. Forexample, in some embodiments, a gear pump, piston pump, diaphragm pump,rotary vane pump, and the like can be used. Further, in someembodiments, centrifugal pumps may be able to be utilized.

A variety of items can be varied to accurately control the dilutionratio. For example, if gears are utilized to transmit power from thewheel 20 to the pump 62, the gear ratio can be selected to provide theproper dilution ratio. Further, the configuration, capacity, and size ofthe pump 62 can be selected to provide dilution control. Note that theviscosity of the concentrated chemical can also be a controlling factorrelative to the dilution ratio.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the pump 62 can draw concentrated chemicalsfrom a concentrated chemical reservoir 32 that is located remotely fromthe housing 12. In other words, the reservoir 32 is not directlyconnected to housing 12. Rather, the reservoir 32 is connected to thehousing 12 and pump 62 via a conduit 64, such as tubing, extendingbetween the pump 62 and the reservoir 32. Concentrated chemical 34 canbe drawn from the reservoir 32 during operation of the pump 62 via theconduit 64. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 8, the reservoir 32 can becoupled or integrally formed with the housing 12. Further, the inlet tothe pump 62 can be placed in communication with the reservoir.Preferably, the inlet is placed at the lowest position within thereservoir to allow substantially all of the concentrated chemicals to begravity fed to the pump.

Concentrated chemicals 34 can be pumped to a variety of locations withinthe housing 12. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the concentratedchemicals are pumped to an aperture 66 positioned above or adjacent thewheel 20. As such, the concentrated chemicals 34 are dispensed onto thewheel 20 wherein they mix with the diluent 16 prior to exiting thehousing 12. Additionally, with such as configuration, the flow ofdiluent 16 into the wheel 20 can cause some agitation to cause theconcentrated chemical 34 to foam in the diluent 16, which may bedesirable in some circumstances. As illustrated, the chemicals 34 aredelivered from the pump 62 to the wheel 20 via a conduit 68. However, inother embodiments, the pump can be positioned within the housing 12 suchthat the conduit may not be necessary. Furthermore, in some embodiments,it may not be desirable to dispense the chemicals onto the wheel 20.Accordingly, the pump outlet (or any conduit extending there from) canbe directed elsewhere.

As discussed above, the dispensing apparatus 10 can be configured toadjust foaming of the chemical. For example, the dispensing apparatuscan be configured as discussed in the previous paragraph to enhancefoaming. However, in other embodiments, the apparatus can bespecifically configured to minimize agitation and resulting foaming. Inembodiments where foaming is desired, the wheel 20 can be provided withadditional fins, projections, recesses, apertures, and the like to causeadditional agitation or otherwise produce additional foam.

Operation of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7 will now be described.A concentrated chemical 34 is provided in the reservoir 32 and a diluentsource is provided to the dispensing assembly 10. Again, the diluent 16can be directly connected to the dispensing assembly 10 or it can freelyflow (i.e., air gap between the source and the dispensing assembly) tothe dispensing assembly 10. In the free flow configuration, diluent 16can be captured in the funnel 40 that is in communication with the flowpath 14. Accumulated diluent 16 in the funnel 40 can then flow into theflow path 14 where it will come into contact with the wheel 20 and fillone or more buckets in the wheel 20. The weight of the diluent 16against the wheel 20 will cause rotation of the wheel 20.

Rotation of the wheel 20 allows a measured amount of diluent 16 to flowthrough the flow path 14 per rotation of the wheel 20. Specifically, thevolume of each bucket 22 is known and the number of buckets 22 filledand dumped per rotation is known. Accordingly, the amount of diluent 16passing through the flow path 14 per rotation is known.

Rotation of the wheel 20 also causes actuation of the pump 62 asdiscussed above to deliver concentrated chemicals to the diluent 16.Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, rotation of the wheel 20causes the first shaft 27 to rotate, which causes the first gear 54 torotate. The first gear 56 drives the second gear 26, which in-turnrotates the second shaft 26. Rotation of the second shaft 26 causes thepump 62 to dispense chemicals from the concentrated chemical reservoir32. The concentrate 34 is delivered to the top of the wheel 20 and mixedwith diluent 16 in the wheel 20. The mixing in the wheel 20 can causefoam to form in the mixture via agitation in the wheel 20.

FIG. 9 is yet another embodiment of a dispensing assembly 10 embodyinginventive aspects. Like the previous embodiment, this embodimentutilizes a pump 62 to deliver the concentrated chemical 34 to thediluent 16. However, unlike the previous embodiment which used purelymechanical power to operate the pump 62, this embodiment utilizes anelectrical generator 70 to power the pump 62. As described below, theelectrical generator 70 is driven by a turbine or wheel type device 20.As can be seen in the figures and understood in the description providedbelow, this embodiment has many features in common with the previouslydescribed embodiments. Accordingly, many of the common features will notbe discussed in detail. Rather, one must refer to the descriptionpreviously provided for a better understanding of some of the commonfeatures. Generally, only the new or different features of thisembodiment will be discussed in detail.

The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9 includes a housing 12 that has afluid passageway 14 and a turbine or wheel type device 20 coupled to thehousing 12. Like the previous embodiments, the housing 12 of thisembodiment at least partially defines a fluid passageway 14 adapted toreceive a diluent 16 from a diluent source. The flow path 14 through thehousing 12 generally includes an inlet and an outlet. A funnel can belocated along or adjacent the flow path 14 to collect, gather, or focusthe flow of diluent 16 from a diluent source in a free flowconfiguration. However, the diluent source can preferably be directlycoupled to the dispensing assembly to take advantage of the pressure andvelocity of diluent 16 exiting the diluent source.

As indicated above, a wheel 20 is coupled to the housing 12 and in fluidcommunication with the diluent flow path 14. The wheel 20 can beconfigured in a variety of different manners, as exemplified in severalfigures and discussed above. A portion of the wheel 20 is located in thediluent flow path 14. More specifically, the wheel 20 can be positionedin the flow path 14 to substantially block or interrupt all flow ofdiluent 16 through the flow path 14. With such a configuration, the fullmechanical advantage of the diluent source can be harnessed and theamount of diluent 16 passing through the flow path 14 can be measured bythe number of scoops, buckets, etc. 22 filled on the wheel 20 or thenumber of rotations of the wheel 20. As discussed in greater detailherein, by knowing the amount of diluent 16 passing by wheel 20,concentrated chemical 34 can be proportionately coupled to the rotationof the wheel 20.

An electrical generator 70 is coupled to and driven by the wheel 20.Rotation of the wheel 20 causes rotation of the generator 70 (morespecifically, a rotor relative to a stator). Rotation of the generator70 causes electricity to be generated. This generated electricity isthen used to power a pump 62, which delivers concentrate to the diluent16.

The pump 62 is in electrical communication with the generator 70 and influid communication with a reservoir 32 containing a concentratedchemical 34. The pump 62 can be positioned adjacent the reservoir 32 orplaced remotely relative to the reservoir 32. In some embodiments, thepump 62 is contained within the housing 12 and coupled to the reservoir32, which is located remotely relative to the housing 12, via a conduit64. In other embodiments, the pump 62 is coupled to the reservoir 32,which is located remotely relative to the housing 12, and deliverschemical to the housing 12 via a conduit 68. In yet other embodiment,the pump 62 and reservoir 32 can be integrally formed with or directlycoupled to the housing 12.

The pump 62 can be triggered and actuated many ways. In someembodiments, the pump 62 is actuated when an electric current isreceived from the generator 70. In other embodiments, the pump 62 isactuated when a trigger signal is received from the wheel 20, housing12, or generator 70. Additionally, the pump 62 can be triggered to pumpfor limited period of time based upon the number of rotations of thewheel 20 or it can be modulated on and off a select number of times perrotation of the wheel 20.

As described above, the pump 62 can be configured and sized to provide apredetermined dilution ratio.

Operation of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9 will now be described.A concentrated chemical 34 is provided in the reservoir 32 and a diluentsource is provided to the dispensing assembly 10. Again, the diluent 16can be directly connected to the dispensing assembly 10 or it can freelyflow (i.e., air gap between the source and the dispensing assembly) tothe dispensing assembly 10. In the direct connection configuration, thehousing 12 can be directly coupled to the diluent source, such as afaucet. For example, the threaded connection or quick connect device canbe used to connect the housing 12 to the diluent 16 source. With thediluent source turned on, diluent 16 can flow into the flow path 14where it will come into contact with the wheel 20 and fill one or morebuckets 22 in the wheel 20. The weight of the diluent 16 against thewheel 20 will cause rotation of the wheel 20. Additionally, the pressureof the diluent source and the velocity of diluent 16 from the diluentsource can drive the wheel 20.

Rotation of the wheel 20 drives the electrical generator 70, whichcauses electricity to be generated. This electricity is then used topower the pump 62, which delivers concentrated chemicals 34 from thereservoir 32 to the diluent 16. As described above, the pump can besized, configured, and operated to deliver a proper amount ofconcentrate to the diluent 16 per unit of diluent 16 passing through thewheel 20. The concentrate 34 can be delivered to the top of the wheel 20and mixed with diluent 16 in the wheel 20. The mixing in the wheel 20can cause foam to form in the mixture via agitation in the wheel 20.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate alternative configurations for a dispensingassembly embodying inventive aspects. The embodiments illustrated inthese figures are configured to be received on a divider of a sink ormulti-compartment sink. Accordingly, the housing 12 is provided with anattaching mechanism to connect the housing 12 to the sink. In someembodiments, the attaching mechanism is a hook-like structure thatstraddles the wall of the sink. The hook-like structure can have a fixedsized opening or an adjustable opening to fit on a variety of differentwall thicknesses. Alternatively, as shown in other figures, the housing12 can be provided with a ledge to rest and balance on an edge of thesink. In some embodiments, other attaching means can be used such asadhesive, suction cups, hook and loop fasteners, and the like.Additionally, structures can be provided on the sink to receive and holdone or more portions of the dispensing assembly. Further, as describedabove, the housing 12 can be directly coupled to the faucet.

In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the dispensingassembly can be placed in or on the sink when in use and moved toanother location for storage when not is use. Although a sink isdescribed and illustrated with respect to this embodiment, thedispensing assembly can be used in other areas, as described above. Forexample, the dispensing assembly can be coupled to the wall of a bucketto fill the bucket or it can be coupled to the reservoir of the floorcleaning machine to fill the reservoir. Alternatively, the dispensingassembly can be coupled to a wall and configured to dispense into smallcontainers, such as spray bottles.

FIGS. 12-16 illustrate other configurations of a dispensing assemblyembodying inventive aspects. These embodiments include a containeradapted for use as a concentrated chemical reservoir, wherein thecontainer directly couples to the dispenser housing 12. In other words,the wheel 20 and pump is contained in the dispenser housing 12 and a diptube extends into the chemical reservoir located below the dispenserhousing 12 to draw concentrate from the reservoir. In some embodiments,the dispenser housing 12 and chemical reservoir can be configureddifferently such that the dispenser housing 12 (or substantial portionsof it) are received within the separable container used as theconcentrated chemical reservoir.

Although it is not specifically described above, some embodiments candispense concentrated chemicals in a variety of forms. For example, insome embodiments, the concentrate in a concentrated cleaning chemical inliquid form. In other embodiments, the concentrate is in solid or powderform. In these later embodiments, various metering devices andtechniques can be used. For example, with a solid, water can flow viathe aid of gravity from the diluent source directly over the solid anddrain from the housing via the assistance of gravity. The solid productcan be selected or arranged to dissolve at a predetermined ratecorresponding to the flow of diluent to provide the correct dilutionratio. In such situation, the flow of diluent can be controlled with awheel, valve, controlled aperture, tortured pathways, and the like.Further, the solid product can be impregnated or encapsulated on thewheel and be selected to dissolve at a predetermined rate. In suchsituations, the solid product can be a concentrated cleaning chemical, awater softening chemical, and the like. With a powder chemicalconfiguration, the paddle wheel can be configured to drive a dispensingclosure, such as illustrated in U.S. Patent Publication Number2005/0247742 entitled “Metering and Dispensing Closure,” the entirecontents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Alternatively, acontrolled amount of the diluent can be flushed against a powderinterface within the dispenser to provide a proper dilution ratio to theflow of diluent. The amount of diluent contacting the powder can becontrolled by a wheel, a valve, controlled aperture, tortured pathways,diversions in flow paths, and the like.

A dilution control device 21 according to an embodiment of the presentinvention is illustrated in FIG. 17A. The illustrated dilution controldevice 21 includes a rigid or semi-rigid container 24. Although thecontainer 24 can have any shape desired, the container 24 in FIG. 17A isshaped with a reservoir 28 and a head chamber 31, both of which areshaped to retain an amount of fluid. The container 24 in the illustratedembodiment also includes a vent opening 37 at an upper end of the headchamber 31, although other embodiments need not necessarily have a ventopening 37, or can have a vent opening 37 in other locations of thecontainer 24. The reservoir 28 in the embodiment of FIG. 17A is shapedto retain a pliable container, such as a bag 41. The bag 41 can have anyshape capable of being at least partially retained within the reservoir28, and in some embodiments has a shape corresponding to or adaptable tothat of the reservoir 28. The container 24 illustrated in FIG. 17A alsoincludes a fluid inlet 43 and a number of fluid outlets 48 and 51.

In some embodiments, the fluid outlet 51 is defined by an orifice in anorifice plate 53 permanently or releasably attached to the container 24in any suitable manner. For example, the orifice plate 53 can bepermanently attached to the container 24 by ultrasonic welding, hotmelting, overmolding, adhesive or cohesive bonding material, and thelike. Alternatively, the orifice plate 53 can be releasably attached tothe container 24 by one or more screws, pins, clips, clamps, or otherconventional fasteners, one or more inter-engaging elements on theorifice plate 53 and container 24, and the like.

The fluid inlet 43 receives a diluent fluid from a diluent fluid conduitor flow-controlling device, such as the illustrated dispenser 55. Theillustrated dispenser 55 includes an actuator 61 for actuating aflow-controlling valve 63 of the dispenser 55. In some embodiments, theactuator 61 and the valve 63 are spring-biased to closed “no-flow”positions. Although the container 24 is illustrated in FIG. 17A as beingconnected to a manually-actuatable dispenser 55 having a lever-typeactuator 61, it should be noted that the container 24 can instead byconnected to any other manual or automatic control for operation of thevalve 63. For example, in other embodiments, the valve 63 can be opened,closed, or otherwise adjusted by one or more knobs, buttons, slides,twistable grips, or other manual valve controls, all of which arewell-known to those skilled in the art. As another example, the valve 63can instead by opened, closed, or otherwise adjusted by one or moresolenoids, piezo-actuated drives, magnets or magnet sets, ball and screwactuators, and the like, all of which are well-known to those skilled inthe art.

Although the device 21 illustrated in FIG. 17A has only one fluid inlet43 connected to the container 24 near a top of the container 24, thedevice 21 can have any number of fluid inlets 43 located anywhere on thecontainer 24. In those embodiments having two or more fluid inlets 43,each of the fluid inlets 43 can be provided with a corresponding valve63 that can be powered or operated manually. For example, the container24 can be provided with different diluents through two or more differentdispensers 55. Any one or more of the dispensers 55 can be opened orclosed alone or at the same time as one or more other dispensers 55 inorder to generate different types of concentrate and diluent mixtures.As another example, the container 24 can be connected to the same typeof diluent through different dispensers 55, such as for diluentsintroduced into the container 24 from different dispensers 55 atdifferent respective temperatures.

The bag 41 within the reservoir 28 can contain a fluid to be diluted(such as a detergent, bleach, ammonia, or other cleaning fluid, sodasyrup, fruit concentrate, or other comestible fluid, and the like),herein referred to as a “concentrate”. In this regard, the term“concentrate” does not indicate or imply the degree to which the subjectfluid is concentrated, and instead only means that the fluid is at ahigher concentration than that which is produced by mixture with thediluent fluid. The bag 41 illustrated in FIG. 17A includes a concentrateoutlet 67 in communication with the fluid outlet 51 of the container 24.The remaining fluid outlets 48 of the container 24 allow flow of thediluent fluid out of the container 24.

When the diluent fluid is dispensed into the container 24, it at leastpartially fills the head chamber 31 of the container 24, and canpartially or fully fill that portion of the reservoir 28 not occupied bythe bag 41. As diluent fluid accumulates in the container 24, a pressurehead develops under the principles of hydrostatic pressure. As thepressure head increases and the diluent fluid level surpasses the heightof the fluid outlets 48, diluent fluid empties from the container 24 ata rate proportional to the pressure head. The pressure head also actsupon the concentrate within the bag 41, and causes the concentrate to bedispensed from the bag 41 (and therefore, from the fluid outlet 51) at arate proportional to the pressure head. Therefore, because both thedispense rate of the diluent fluid and the dispense rate of theconcentrate are dependent upon the pressure head, there exists aproportional relationship between the dispense rate of the diluent fluidand that of the concentrate. This proportional relationship can existthrough a range of diluent and concentrate flow rates and through arange of volumes occupied by the diluent fluid in the head chamber 31.

If the rate of diluent fluid dispensed into the container 24 exceeds therate of diluent fluid drainage from the container 24, the pressure headcontinues to increase as the level of diluent fluid reaches higher andhigher into the head chamber 31. As the pressure head increases, itcauses a proportional increase in the dispense rate of the concentratefrom the bag 41 out the fluid outlet 51, and also a proportionalincrease in the dispense rate of the diluent fluid out of the container24 through the openings 48. In some embodiments, the container 24 isrigid or semi-rigid to avoid deformation or stretching under internalfluid pressure. In other embodiments, it may not be necessary for thecontainer 24 to maintain a given rigid form, and some degree ofstretching, deforming, or sagging of the container 24 can be acceptable.

FIG. 17B illustrates an example of a configuration for the fluid outlets48 and 51 described above. In the illustrated embodiment, the fluidoutlet 51 for the concentrate is circular, is located centrally alongthe width of the container 24, and is flanked by two larger circulardiluent fluid outlets 48 on each side. The dilution ratio of theconcentrate in the diluent fluid is determined at least in part by theposition, size, and number of the fluid outlets 48 and 51. An outletnearer the bottom of the container 24 experiences a higher fluid flowrate due to increased fluid pressure (at a given diluent fluid level)than one nearer the top of the container 24. Likewise, an outlet with alarger cross-sectional area or a plurality of outlets with acollectively larger cross-sectional area allows increased fluid flow. Itwill be appreciated that any number of combinations of fluid outletsize, shape, and relative position are possible, many of which result indifferent dilution ratios in operation of the device 21. In this regard,the device 21 can have any number and size of diluent fluid outlets 48and concentrate fluid outlets 51 in any location or combinations oflocations for generating a desired diluent ratio.

Although the fluid outlets 48, 51 illustrated in FIG. 17B are allcircular, any one or more of the fluid outlets 48, 51 can have differentshapes. The selection of different fluid outlet shapes (e.g., outlets48, 51 that are horizontally or vertically elongated, outlets 48, 51having triangular or other polygonal shapes, outlets 48, 51 havingirregular shapes, and the like). It is contemplated that the dilutioncontrol device 21 is capable of operating at different dilution ratiosby varying at least one characteristic (e.g., the size, shape, number,or location) of one or more concentrate fluid outlets 51 and/or diluentfluid outlets 48. In some embodiments, the dilution ratio of thecontainer 24 can be changed by plugging or opening one or more outlets48 and 51 and/or by replacing the orifice plate 53 with an orifice plate53 having one or more outlets 48, 51 with different characteristics.

The reservoir 28 of the container 24 in the illustrated embodiment isgenerally rectangular, and extends laterally beyond at least one sidewall of the head chamber 31. This container shape keeps the bag 41 in apredetermined position within the container 24. The position of the bag41 within the container 24 affects the level of pressure acting on theconcentrate within the bag 41 (and thus, the fluid pressure of theconcentrate and the dispense rate thereof). In some embodiments, it isdesirable to keep the bag 41 adjacent a bottom surface 72 of thecontainer 24. Also, in some cases, the density of the concentrate may besufficiently greater than the density of the diluent fluid such that thebag 41 remains at the bottom of the container 24 by gravity. In someembodiments, the bag 41 is located above a bottom surface 72 of thecontainer 24, in which case concentrate can still be dispensed from thebag 41 at a desired ratio with respect to diluent based upon the sameprinciples described above. If the bag 41 is at a location spaced from abottom surface 72 of the container 24, any suitable method of retainingthe bag 41 in a fixed vertical position relative to the container 24 canbe employed (e.g., container shape, one or more fasteners securing thebag 41 with respect to the container 24, and the like).

FIGS. 18A and 18B illustrate a dilution control device 76 according toanother embodiment of the present invention. The dilution control device76 is similar to the dilution control device 21 shown in FIGS. 17A and17B and described above. For the sake of brevity, those characteristicsand principles of operation which are substantially similar to thosediscussed above are not repeated in detail. Likewise, the dilutioncontrol device 76 illustrated in FIGS. 18A and 18B can include any ofthe variations described above in connection with the embodiment ofFIGS. 17A and 17B.

The dilution control device 76 illustrated in FIGS. 18A and 18B includesa dispenser 80 for dispensing diluent fluid into a container 84. Thedispenser 80 is formed with a cap 88 and a grip 92. In some embodiments,the cap 88 attaches directly to the container 84 by a releasableconnection, such as by a threaded connection, a snap or other type ofinterference fit, a retaining ring, and the like. The cap 88 can beprovided with one or more grips 96 for enabling a user to twist orotherwise manipulate the cap 88 for installation and removal. Also, thecap 88 and/or the container 84 can be equipped with one or more ventopenings (not shown) to vent the container 84. In some embodiments, aportion 100 of the container 84 comprising the bag 116 and an orificeplate 104 can be pre-assembled and then installed in the container 84 asa unit. The illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 18A and 18B also providesanother example of a manner in which the diluent and concentrate outlets108, 112 can be arranged. In this embodiment, a number of diluent fluidoutlets 108 surround a central fluid concentrate outlet 112.

In some embodiments, the containers 24, 84 described above are disposedafter one use (i.e., after one bag 41, 116 of concentrate is consumed).In other embodiments, the container 24, 84 can be used repeatedly byinserting a new full bag 41, 116 of concentrate after each prior bag 41,116 is consumed. A removable or openable orifice plate 53, 100 or otheraccess door or panel of the container 24, 84 can permit a quickswitch-out of bags 41, 116 by providing access to the interior of thecontainer 24, 84 without removing the dispenser 55, 80. With referenceagain to the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 18A and 18B, a scale orother visual indicia 118 can be located on a wall of the container 84,and can be oriented to allow an operator to monitor either or both ofthe diluent and concentrate fluid levels within the container 84.

FIG. 19 illustrates a dilution control device 120 according to anotherembodiment of the present invention. The dilution control device 120illustrated in FIG. 19 is similar to the dilution control devices 21, 76shown in FIGS. 17A-18B and described above. For the sake of brevity,those characteristics and principles of operation which aresubstantially similar to those discussed above are not repeated indetail. Likewise, the dilution control device 120 illustrated in FIG. 19can include any of the variations described above in connection with theembodiments of FIGS. 17A-18B.

The dilution control device 120 illustrated in FIG. 19 includes acontainer 124 with a reservoir 128 and a head chamber 132. The reservoir128 retains a bag 136, which in turn holds concentrate to be dispensedin a predetermined ratio with a diluent fluid. The concentrate in thebag 136 is dispensed via a fluid outlet 140 of the container 124.Additional fluid outlets 144 are provided in the container 124 fordispensing the diluent fluid. The container 124 includes an opening 148at an upper portion thereof. The opening 148 serves as an entry locationfor receiving the diluent fluid into the container 124. The opening 148also serves as a vent opening, allowing air to escape from the container124 as it is filled with the diluent fluid. The container 124 iswell-suited for receiving diluent fluid from a stationary fixture, suchas a faucet 152. In some embodiments, the container 124 is shaped to beconnected to or otherwise supported upon a sink, container, shelf,bracket, or other structure adjacent the location to which the diluentand concentrate is dispensed. For example, the container 124 can have alip or flange (not shown) enabling the container to be hung from an edgeof a sink, bucket, or other container. The container 124 can have anyother shape and/or be provided with any device suitable for connectingor otherwise supporting the container 124 as described above.

FIGS. 20A-21B illustrate a dilution control device 156 according toanother embodiment of the present invention. The dilution control device156 illustrated in FIGS. 20A-21B includes a container 160 having a pairof chambers 164 and 168 separated by a partition wall 172. The chambers164, 168 illustrated in FIGS. 20A-21B are substantially the same in sizeand shape, although the chambers 164, 168 can have different sizesand/or shapes in other embodiments.

The container 160 has a fluid outlet 176 located below the chambers 164and 168. In other embodiments, the fluid outlet 176 is located indifferent positions with respect to the chambers 164, 168, such aslaterally to either side of the chambers 164, 168.

A first fluid passage 180 includes a first end 180 a in communicationwith the first chamber 164 and a second end 180 b for delivering fluidtoward the fluid outlet 176. A second fluid passage 184 includes a firstend 184 a in communication with the second chamber 168 and a second end184 b for delivering fluid toward the fluid outlet 176.

Diluent fluid is supplied via a conduit 188 to the interior of thecontainer 160. As illustrated in FIGS. 20A and 20B, a valve 192 can beused in some embodiments to control the flow of diluent fluid into thecontainer 160. In addition, a volume of concentrate is held in acontainer 196. The concentrate container 196 is located within, adjacentto, or remotely from the container 160. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIGS. 20A-21B, a concentrate supply line 200 fluidly connects theconcentrate container 196 and a pump 204. A second concentrate supplyline 208 fluidly connects the pump 204 and a concentrate fluid outlet212. FIGS. 20A and 20B illustrate one suitable location for theconcentrate fluid outlet 212, whereas FIGS. 21A and 21B illustrate analternative location for the concentrate fluid outlet 212. Theconcentrate fluid outlet 212 can be in any other location suitable fordelivery of concentrate pumped by the pump 204 (as described below)toward a flow of diluent through the device 156. Diluent fluid andconcentrate are commingled within the container 160 or alternately, aredispensed separately from the containers 160 and 196 for mixturedownstream of the device 156. In some embodiments, it is an object tomerely control the relative volumes or flow rates of diluent fluid andconcentrate delivered by the device 156. The diluent fluid andconcentrate are collected separately, and can be dispensed into a singlecontainer such as a sink, bucket, tub, machine reservoir, or othercontainer. In some embodiments, it is an object to mix the diluent fluidand concentrate together either prior to dispensing (“pre-mix”) or afterdispensing (“post-mix”). Provisions for mixing, stirring, agitating orprocessing the diluent and concentrate fluids together in any othermanner are either incorporated into the dilution control device 156 orare utilized separately.

The dilution control device 156 illustrated in FIGS. 20A-21B alsoincludes a rocker 216 reciprocable to different positions for directingdiluent to different chambers 164, 168 of the container 160. The rocker216 can be located partially or entirely in the container 160, or can belocated outside of the container 160 and upstream of either or bothchambers 164, 168. The rocker device 216 illustrated in FIGS. 20A-21Bincludes at least a first link 222, and a second link 224, both of whichare drivably connected to the pump 204 as will be described in greaterdetail below. The first link 222 is coupled to or is positioned to bemoved by a first float 228 when the first float 228 rises based upon arising diluent level in the first chamber 164, whereas the second link224 is coupled to or is positioned to be movable by a second float 232when the second float 232 rises based upon a rising diluent level in thesecond chamber 168. This motion of the first and second links 222, 224can be transferred to the pump 204 in a number of different manners. Forexample, the first and second links 222, 224 in the illustratedembodiment of FIGS. 20A-21B are drivably coupled to a common third link220 which is drivably connected to the pump 204. When the first andsecond links 222, 224 move upward and downward, this motion causes thethird link 220 to pivot, thereby imparting motive force to the pump 204by virtue of its connection thereto.

With continued reference to the embodiment of FIGS. 20A-21B, a baffle236 is coupled to the first and second links 222, 224. The baffle 236has a surface across which diluent flows toward the first chamber 164 inat least one position of the baffle 236, and a surface across whichdiluent flows toward the second chamber 168 in at least one otherposition of the baffle 236. In some embodiments (see FIGS. 20A-21B), thebaffle 236 has two surfaces which are angled with respect to oneanother. In some embodiments, the baffle 236 is shaped as a wide,upside-down “V” (i.e., having an obtuse angle generally facing thechambers 164, 168) having surfaces of equal or unequal length. Thebaffle 236 is configured to direct diluent fluid from the supply conduit188 into one of the first chamber 164 and the second chamber 168. Inother embodiments, the baffle 236 can have surfaces at different angleswith respect to one another while still directing diluent fluid asdescribed above. Acceptable deflector shapes capable of performing thisfunction can be determined at least in part by the shape, size, and/orrelative position of the chambers 164, 168, and the position of thebaffle 236 with respect thereto.

In operation, as diluent fluid is supplied to the container 160 and ontothe baffle 236, the rocker 216 rocks side to side (as viewed in FIGS.20A-21B) to actuate the pump 204 and to dispense concentrate at a rateproportional to the dispense rate of the diluent fluid. The first andsecond floats 228 and 232 are configured to drive the rocking action ofthe rocker 216. The rocker device 216 illustrated in FIGS. 20A and 21Ais in a first position (the first float 228 being higher than the secondfloat 232) because the second chamber 168 contains less diluent fluidthan the first chamber 164. Due to the orientation of the baffle 236when the rocker device 216 is in the first position, diluent fluid fromthe supply conduit 188 is directed to the second chamber 168. As thediluent fluid level in the second chamber 168 rises, the second float232 also rises. The buoyant force on the second float 232 drives therocker device 216 toward a second position (shown in FIG. 21B) in whichthe first float 228 is positioned lower than the second float 232. Ineffect, the rising diluent fluid level in the second chamber 168 drivesthe first float 228 downward into the first chamber 164, thereby pushingdiluent from the first chamber 164 through the first fluid passage 180toward the fluid outlet 176.

When the second float 232 rises sufficiently, the baffle 236 ispositioned such that diluent fluid is no longer directed into the secondchamber 168, but rather, is directed into the first chamber 164. Thefirst chamber 164 is re-filled with diluent fluid, and the rockingmotion is reversed. In this manner, the buoyant force on the first float228 causes a downward motion of the second float 232, which drains thediluent fluid from the second chamber 168. As diluent fluid continues toflow into the container 160, the rocking motion continues, driving thefirst link 220 back and forth. The first link 220 is coupled to the pump204, which can be driven by the reciprocation of the first link 220(e.g., via a piston within the pump 204). The back and forth motion ofthe piston 240 draws concentrate from the container 196 and delivers thesame toward the fluid outlet 176 or another desired location. In someembodiments, first and/or second check valves 244 and 248 can beincluded to prevent backflow of concentrate from the pump 204 toward thecontainer 196, and from the concentrate fluid outlet 212 toward the pump204. The pumping rate, and therefore the dispense rate of concentrate,increases with increased diluent fluid flow rate, and decreases withdecreased diluent fluid flow rate. The rocker 216 and pump 204 thereforeautomatically provide concentrate at a predetermined dilution ratio whendiluent fluid is dispensed into the container 160. The predetermineddilution ratio is also maintained while the dispense rate of diluentfluid is varied. In a batch-type operation, a volume of diluent fluid isdispensed into the container 160, and a corresponding volume ofconcentrate (according to the predetermined dilution ratio) is dispensedby the dilution control device 156.

The predetermined dilution ratio of concentrate to diluent is variable,and can be changed in various ways. In some embodiments, the sizes ofthe concentrate supply lines 200 and 208 can be changed to adjust thisdilution ratio. In these and other embodiments, the pump 204 can bereplaced with a differently sized or differently performing pump. Also,in some embodiments, the stroke of the pump 204 can be limited by anydevice internal or external to the pump 204 (in any manner well-known tothose in the art of pumps and pumping equipment). The rocker 216 canalso be modified or replaced to provide a different motion path for thebaffle 236 and the third link 220, thereby changing the force and/oractuation movement provided by the third link 220. In some embodiments,the first float 228 and the second float 232 can be modified in shape,size, material, and/or weight to change their buoyant characteristics,thereby changing the speed and/or force exerted by the rocker 216 uponthe pump 204. In these and other embodiments, the capacities of thefirst chamber 164 and/or the second chamber 168 can be changed to affectthe speed and force of the rocker 216. Furthermore, in some embodiments,the shape and/or size of the first and second passages 180, 184 can bechanged to affect the rate of flow through the passages. Also, in someembodiments, multiple pumps 204 can be driven by the same rocker device216. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that additionalmodifications and variations of the rocker 216, floats 228, 232,container 196, pump 204, passages 180, 184, supply lines 200, 208,conduit 188, and/or valves 244, 248 are possible for modifying thedilution ratio of fluid generated by the dilution control device 156,all of which fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

As an alternative to the rocker 216 as shown and described, in someembodiments a single float and chamber are used with a biased return(either internal or external to the pump 204) from a biasing element,such as a spring, elastic band, or the like.

In alternative embodiments, motion of either or both of the first andsecond links 222, 224 (as described above) can operate the pump 204 bydirect connection of either or both links 222, 224 thereto.Alternatively, the pump 204 can be driven by motion of the baffle 236,such as by rotational motion of a pivot about which the baffle 236rotates. In those embodiments in which the pump 204 is driven by motionof the baffle 236, the links 222, 224 need not necessarily be used.Still other manners of directly, or indirectly transferring motion ofthe baffle 236 to actuation of the pump 204 are possible, and fallwithin the spirit and scope of the present invention.

A dilution control device 252 according to another embodiment of thepresent invention is illustrated in FIGS. 22A and 22B. The dilutioncontrol device 120 illustrated in FIGS. 22A and 22B is similar in manyrespects to the dilution control devices 21, 76 shown in FIGS. 20A-21Band described above. For the sake of brevity, those characteristics andprinciples of operation which are substantially similar to thosediscussed above are not repeated in detail. The following description ofthe dilution control device 252 is focused mainly upon the differencesfrom the above-described devices. Also, it should be noted that thedilution control device 252 illustrated in FIGS. 22A and 22B can includeany of the variations described above in connection with the embodimentsof FIGS. 20A-21B.

The dilution control device 252 illustrated in FIGS. 22A and 22Bincludes a main container 256, a concentrate container 260, and a rocker264. Diluent fluid is supplied to the container 256 via a conduit 268,and is subsequently delivered to a fluid outlet 272 of the container256. A pump 276 pumps concentrate from the concentrate container 260 tothe fluid outlet 272 along first and second concentrate supply lines 280and 284.

The rocker 264 illustrated in FIGS. 22A and 22B includes first andsecond links 292, 296, both of which are drivably connected to the pump276 as will be described in greater detail below, and are also connectedto a baffle, illustrated in FIGS. 22A and 22B as a receptacle 300. Thereceptacle 300 has at least two different chambers 312, 316 within whichdiluent can be received. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, thereceptacle 300 includes a partition wall 304 and peripheral walls 308 aand 308 b defining a first chamber 312 and a second chamber 316.Referring to FIG. 22A, the diluent fluid enters the first chamber 312 asdiluent fluid from the second chamber 316 is emptied toward the fluidoutlet 272. As diluent fluid fills the first chamber 312 and evacuatesthe second chamber 316, the movable receptacle 300 begins to tip towardthe position shown in FIG. 22B due to the shifting of mass within themovable receptacle 300. As the rocker 264 reaches the position shown inFIG. 22B, the chambers 312, 316 are re-positioned such that diluent fromthe conduit 268 enters the second chamber 316. As a result of thismovement of the receptacle 300, the diluent fluid previously dispensedinto the first chamber 312 is dumped toward the fluid outlet 272. Thisrocking cycle repeats as long as diluent fluid is supplied from theconduit 268.

As the receptacle 300 rocks back and forth, the first link 292 and thesecond link 296 drive a reciprocating element, such as a piston 320,back and forth in the pump 276. This motion can be transferred in anumber of different manners. By way of example only, the first andsecond links 292, 296 are connected to the pump 276 by a common thirdlink 288. The third link 288 is coupled to the pump 276, and moves toactuate the pump 276 as the first and second links 292, 296 move (asdescribed above). In other embodiments, the pump 276 can be driven bydirection connection with either or both of the first and second links292, 296, by a pivot about which the receptacle 300 rotates, or in anyother manner in which motive force is transferred from the receptacle300 to the pump 276.

In some embodiments, one or more check valves are used on the firstand/or second concentrate supply lines 280, 284 to assist in preventingbackflow. Also, as an alternative to a multi-chamber receptacle 300, asingle-chamber receptacle 300 can be used. In such embodiments, thesingle-chamber receptacle can be positioned to fill with diluent fluid,tip by gravity to dump diluent fluid collected therein, and return to anoriginal position under force of a biasing element such as a spring,elastic band, and the like.

The receptacle 300 in the illustrated embodiment is pivotable todifferent positions in order to discharge diluent collected therein.However, it should be noted that the receptacle 300 can instead move inother manners enabling diluent discharge.

A dilution control device 324 according to another embodiment of thepresent invention is illustrated in FIG. 23. The illustrated dilutioncontrol device 324 includes a pliable concentrate package (e.g., a bag328) positioned within a rigid or semi-rigid container 332. The dilutioncontrol device 324 also has a diluent fluid inlet 336 connectable to adiluent fluid source, and a diluent fluid passage 340 fluidly couplingthe diluent fluid inlet 336 and a fluid outlet 344 of the dilutioncontrol device 324. The concentrate bag 328 in the illustratedembodiment is fluidly coupled to the fluid outlet 344 by a fitting 348having a flow controlling orifice 352.

The dilution control device 324 in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 23also has a flow divider 356 through which diluent is passed to differentportions of the dilution control device 324. The illustrated flowdivider 356 has first and second outlets 360 and 364 for directingincoming diluent fluid to the diluent fluid passage 340 and to aninterior chamber 368 of the container 332 (i.e., between the concentratebag 328 and the walls of the container 332), respectively. The diluentfluid inlet 336, flow divider 356, fluid passage 340, and fluid outlet344 can be located in a large number of other positions with respect tothe container 332 and each other while still providing the same flow ofdiluent (as described above) to the interior chamber 368 and toward thefluid outlet 344. Accordingly, the container 332, interior chamber 368,and concentrate bag 328 can have a number of different shapes and sizeswhile still falling within the spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

In some embodiments, the flow divider 356 provides a majority of theincoming diluent fluid to the diluent fluid passage 340, and theremaining minority of diluent fluid to the interior chamber 368. Asdiluent fluid is supplied to the dilution control device 324, it issplit between the first and second outlets 360 and 364 of the flowdivider 356. The diluent fluid directed through the first outlet 360 ofthe flow divider 356 is passed through the diluent fluid passage 340 andthe fluid outlet 344 to a desired delivery or collection location. Thediluent fluid directed through the second outlet 364 of the flow divider356 at least partially fills the interior chamber 368, and compressesthe contents of the concentrate bag 328. Pressure from the diluent fluidsqueezes concentrate through the orifice 352, toward the fluid outlet344. In the illustrated embodiment, the concentrate and the diluentfluid from the diluent fluid passage 340 join proximate the fluid outlet344, and are delivered to a desired location together. In otherembodiments, concentrate exiting the orifice 352 is delivered to anotherlocation for mixture with diluent downstream of the fluid outlet 344.

In some embodiments, the fluid outlet 344 and/or the orifice adapter 348are defined and/or positioned in a cap 372 attached to the container332. Also, in some embodiments, the cap 372 is removable from thecontainer 332, thereby facilitating access to the interior chamber 368and/or enabling removal and replacement of the concentrate bag 328. Inthose embodiments having a removable cap 372, a releasable fitting 376can be provided in the diluent fluid passage 340 at a location enablingremoval of the cap 372.

As diluent fluid is supplied to the dilution control device 324illustrated in FIG. 23, the volume of diluent fluid in the interiorchamber 368 increases while the volume of concentrate within theconcentrate bag 328 decreases. In some embodiments, the flow rate of thediluent fluid can be set at a desired level, whereby the dilutioncontrol device 324 provides a flow rate of concentrate through theorifice 352 according to a desired dilution ratio. Modulation of thediluent fluid flow rate can cause a proportional change in pressureexerted by diluent upon the concentrate bag 328 and a proportionalchange in the rate of concentrate fluid flow through the orifice 352,thereby maintaining the dilution ratio at the desired value through arange of diluent flow rates. In some embodiments, a check valve (notshown, but location indicated in FIG. 23) at the orifice 352 preventsdiluent fluid at the fluid outlet 344 from flowing into the concentratebag 328 through the orifice 352.

In some embodiments, the dilution control device 324 can be adapted topermit user control over the amount and/or flow rate of fluid (at adesired dilution ratio) dispensed from the dilution control device 324.In such embodiments, an operator can activate one or more controls tobegin, increase, or stop diluent flow through the dilution controldevice 324. Such controls can be manual or powered, such as by one ormore knobs, solenoids, pumps, or other devices controlling one or morevalves along the flow path of fluid into or out of the dilution controldevice 324. These variations are not exclusively applicable to thedilution control device 324 illustrated in FIG. 23, but also to any ofthe devices according to other embodiments of the present inventiondescribed herein.

As a variation or addition to the dilution control device 324 asdescribed above, the dilution control device 324 can be provided with acontrol by which pressure exerted by diluent upon the bag 328 can beadjusted. Such a control can comprise one or more valves for controllingdiluent entering the interior chamber 368 and/or one or more valves forcontrolling diluent exiting the interior chamber 368 (e.g., through oneor more vents or other outlets (not shown) of the interior chamber 368).

A dilution control device 380 according to another embodiment of thepresent invention is illustrated in FIGS. 24A and 24B. The illustrateddilution control device 380 includes a diluent fluid inlet 384, aflow-metering chamber 388, and a concentrate container or chamber 392.The flow-metering chamber 388 has a diluent fluid outlet 396 throughwhich diluent flows toward a fluid outlet 400 of the dilution controldevice 380. In some embodiments, the diluent fluid outlet 396 is a weiropening (shown in detail in FIG. 24B). With continued reference to theembodiment of FIGS. 24A and 24B, the concentrate chamber 392 in theillustrated embodiment is fluidly coupled with the fluid outlet 400 viaa concentrate flow passage 404. A valve 408 of a flow-metering mechanism412 is located at a concentrate outlet 416 of the concentrate chamber392, or can instead be located anywhere along the concentrate flowpassage 404 between the concentrate chamber 392 and the fluid outlet400. In addition to the valve 408, the flow-metering mechanism 412 inthe illustrated embodiment includes a float 420, a float link 424, avalve link 428, and a spring 432. The valve link 428 of the illustratedflow-metering mechanism 412 is pivotable about a pivot point P at asupport 436. Also, the valve 408 and the float link 424 of theillustrated embodiment are pivotally coupled to the valve link 428.

As diluent fluid flows into the flow-metering chamber 388, diluent fluidcollects in the flow-metering chamber 388, and the level of diluentfluid within the flow-metering chamber 388 rises. In a state of thedilution control device 380 in which there is relatively little or nodiluent fluid in the flow-metering chamber 388, the float 420 is in aposition (lower than that shown in FIG. 24A) in which the float 420substantially block the diluent fluid outlet 396. Alternatively, in thisposition of the float 420, another object coupled to the float 420 canblock the diluent fluid outlet 396. As the diluent fluid level in theflow-metering chamber 388 rises, the float 420 is lifted by buoyantforce upon the float 420. When the float 420 rises to a level that atleast partially opens the diluent fluid outlet 396, diluent fluid passesthrough the diluent fluid outlet 396 toward the fluid outlet 400 of thedilution control device 380. Also as the float 420 rises, the valve link428 is driven upward against the downward bias of the spring 432 tocreate an opening between the valve 408 and the concentrate outlet 416.

In some embodiments, the flow of concentrate toward the fluid outlet 400allowed by the valve 408 is proportional to the flow of diluent fluidtoward the fluid outlet 400 according to a predetermined dilution ratio.Also in some embodiments, as the flow rate of diluent fluid is increasedinto the flow-metering chamber 388 (and out through the diluent fluidoutlet 396), the float element 420 is driven higher, and the valve link428 further opens the valve 408 against force of the spring 432, therebyallowing a greater flow rate of concentrate from the concentratecontainer 392. The increase in concentrate flow rate can be proportionalto the increase in the diluent fluid flow rate to maintain thepredetermined dilution ratio. Accordingly, the flow of diluent fluid andconcentrate through the dilution control device 380 can he proportionalthrough a range of diluent fluid flow rates. In particular, the float420 and the flow-metering mechanism 412 can open and close the diluentfluid outlet 396 and the valve 408 through a range of amounts,permitting proportional diluent and concentrate fluid flow therethrough,respectively.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that variations tothe flow-metering mechanism 412 can be made in order to achieve dilutioncontrol in a similar manner as that described above (i.e., varying thedegree of opening of a valve in response to a proportional change in therate of diluent fluid flow). In some embodiments, the flow-meteringmechanism 412 is provided with components such as sensors, actuators,and other devices suitable for electronic, pneumatic, or computercontrol of the flow-metering mechanism 412. In some embodiments,modifications can be made to the dilution control device 380 to replacethe float 420 with one or more sensors or other sensory-control devicesthat respond to a detected diluent fluid flow rate and thatautomatically change the flow rate of the concentrate (e.g., byadjustment of a valve 408 of any type) accordingly. Sensory-controldevices capable of reacting to the flow rate of diluent can include, forexample, a vane or a bladder in fluid communication with diluententering, moving through, or exiting the dilution control device 380. Insuch cases, the sensory-control devices can be mechanically and/orelectrically coupled to a valve or other mechanism controlling the flowrate of concentrate from the concentrate container 392.

It will be appreciated that a. number of different valve types can beutilized in the dilution control device 380 in order to control the flowof diluent from the concentrate container 392 responsive to the rate ofdiluent flow. By way of example only, the valve 408 can be a needlevalve, a ball valve, and the like. Regardless of the type of valve 408employed, the valve 408 need not necessarily be spring-loaded, such asin cases where the valve 408 is capable of closing itself under theweight of one or more other elements of the flow-metering mechanismand/or float 420. It should also be noted that a number of other typesof mechanical connections between the float 420 and the valve 408 arepossible for transferring float movement to valve movement 408, all ofwhich fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The embodiments described above and illustrated in the figures arepresented by way of example only and are not intended as a limitationupon the concepts and principles of the present invention. As such, itwill be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art that variouschanges in the elements and their configuration and arrangement arepossible without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention. For example, a rotary metering device is utilized in someembodiments to control the flow of concentrate through the dispenser. Insome embodiments, other non-rotary structures can be used, such as areciprocating member that selectively blocks a dispensing aperture. Inother embodiments, one or more pumps or other metering devices can beutilized. For example, two pumps can be configured or driven to providedifferent dilution ratios of the same chemical. Alternatively, theadditional pumps can be placed in communication with additional chemicalreservoirs containing additional chemicals to dispense those chemicals.The additional chemicals can be dispensed simultaneously, sequentially,or alternatively.

Various alternatives to the certain features and elements of the presentinvention are described with reference to specific embodiments of thepresent invention. With the exception of features, elements, and mannersof operation that are mutually exclusive of or are inconsistent witheach embodiment described above, it should be noted that the alternativefeatures, elements, and manners of operation described with reference toone particular embodiment are applicable to the other embodiments.

Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A chemical dispensing apparatus comprising: ahousing at least partially defining a fluid passageway adapted toreceive a diluent from a diluent source; a wheel coupled to the housingand in fluid communication with the fluid passageway, the wheel drivenby the impact or weight of diluent flowing through the fluid passageway;a shaft coupled to the housing and the wheel, wherein the shaft isadapted to rotate with the wheel; and a pump coupled to the housing andthe shaft, wherein the pump is in fluid communication with a reservoircontaining a concentrated chemical and wherein the pump is actuated byrotation of the shaft to deliver concentrated chemicals to diluentflowing through the fluid passageway.
 2. The chemical dispensingapparatus of claim 1, further comprising a conduit at least partiallypositioned in the housing to deliver the concentrated cleaning chemicalfrom the pump to diluent passing through the fluid passageway.
 3. Thechemical dispensing apparatus of claim 2, wherein the conduit ispositioned to deliver the concentrated cleaning chemical to the wheel toallow the concentrated chemical to be mixed with the diluent in thewheel.
 4. The chemical dispensing apparatus of claim 1, wherein thereservoir containing the concentrated chemical is contained within thehousing.
 5. The chemical dispensing apparatus of claim 1, wherein thereservoir containing the concentrated chemical is located remotelyrelative to the housing and in fluid communication with the housing viaa conduit extending between the pump and the reservoir.
 6. The chemicaldispensing apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a set of gearscoupled to the housing and positioned to provide power from the shaft tothe pump.
 7. The chemical dispensing apparatus of claim 6, wherein theset of gears include a gear ratio that is selected to providepredetermined dilution ratio.
 8. The chemical dispensing apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the pump is a positive displacement pump.
 9. Thechemical dispensing apparatus of claim 8, wherein the positivedisplacement pump is a gear pump.
 10. The chemical dispensing apparatusof claim 1, wherein the pump is dimensioned and configured to deliver apredetermined amount of concentrated chemical to the diluent per eachrotation of the wheel.
 11. The chemical dispensing apparatus of claim 1,wherein the housing further comprises a funnel along the fluidpassageway, upstream from the wheel, and wherein the funnel gatherswater without connection to a source of diluent and directs the diluentto the wheel.
 12. The chemical dispensing apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising a backflow prevention device coupled to the housing andwherein the backflow prevention device is directly connected to thesource of diluent.
 13. A chemical dispensing apparatus comprising: ahousing at least partially defining a fluid passageway adapted toreceive a diluent from a diluent source and the housing is coupled to aconcentrated chemical reservoir; a wheel coupled to the housing and influid communication with the fluid passageway, the wheel driven by theimpact or weight of diluent flowing through the fluid passageway; and ashaft coupled to the housing and the wheel and adapted to rotate inresponse to rotation of the wheel, the shaft is positioned within anaperture of the concentrated chemical reservoir and is adapted toselectively dispense concentrated chemicals from the reservoir viarotation of shaft.
 14. The chemical dispensing apparatus of claim 13,wherein the shaft is a first shaft and the chemical dispensing apparatusfurther comprises a second shaft and a set of gears, wherein the secondshaft is directly coupled to the wheel and adapted to rotate with thewheel, the set of gears are positioned to provide power from the secondshaft to the first shaft.
 15. The chemical dispensing apparatus of claim14, wherein the set of gears include a gear ratio that is selected toprovide predetermined dilution ratio.
 16. The chemical dispensingapparatus of claim 13, wherein the shaft includes a rotary meteringdevice in communication with the aperture of the concentrated chemicalreservoir, wherein rotation of the shaft causes the rotary meteringdevice to dispense concentrated chemical from the reservoir.
 17. Thechemical dispensing apparatus of claim 16, wherein the rotary meteringdevice comprises a flatted portion of the shaft in selectivecommunication the aperture in the concentrated chemical reservoir,rotation of the flattened portion adjacent the aperture provides metereddispensing of a concentrated chemical in the chemical reservoir.
 18. Thechemical dispensing apparatus of claim 16, wherein the rotary meteringdevice comprises a disc coupled to the shaft and having at least oneaperture for receiving concentrated chemical when in communication withthe concentrated chemical.
 19. The chemical dispensing apparatus ofclaim 13, wherein the housing further comprises a funnel along the fluidpassageway, upstream from the wheel, and wherein the funnel gatherswater from a free flowing source of diluent and directs the diluent tothe wheel.
 20. The chemical dispensing apparatus of claim 13, furthercomprising a backflow prevention device coupled to the housing andwherein the backflow prevention device is directly connected to thesource of diluent.